Paleo CocoNut Caramels

Is it just me or is this the coldest winter that’s ever happened in the history of the world (or at least the past 25 years…)? For all of you that live in warmer climates, we’re in a fight. Not a big one, just a small one where I will pretend everything is fine, but in truth? It isn’t. I don’t WANT to be in a fight but this “polar vortex” business needs to cut it out.

Now that my weather rant is over, let’s talk about something way more fun, CARAMELS! I am a sweets girl at heart and used to tell everyone that I was sweet in disposition because of all the ice cream, brownies, etc that I consumed. I was the ‘dessert after every meal’ kinda girl and to an extent I still retain this part of me by having some dark chocolate nearly every day, but it’s 85% or darker so it doesn’t really count… These caramels though? Dangerous to have in my fridge. Although they only use maple syrup and some coocnut sugar as sweetener, they are still a treat and are something I need to share so I don’t eat every. last. one. in my apartment!

These came about due to my love of Pinterest (I have more than 2,;000 pins… it’s pretty serious). I get so many ideas browsing all the different categories and was inspired by these Coconut Pecan Praline Cookies and wanted to make a paleo-friendly version! If you aren’t already on Pinterest, you should get on it! Unless you don’t need something else to waste copious hours of your life. Anyways, gosh I’m distracted… could be the sugar from these caramels… Oh look, a squirrel! Jk. Sort of.

Okay, I’ll try to be normal now. These are rich, creamy, crunchy, and coconutty and really do taste like a normal caramel (or at least what I remember . I made them 1/2 tbsp sized, but they are pretty rich so you could easily make them even smaller (tsp sized would be good) and they would be the perfect end to a meal if you want something small and sweet! I also made mine with half walnuts and half pecans but any nuts you have on hand would be a good substitution! I can imagine they would be incredible with macadamia nuts… so someone try that and let us know 🙂 Also, these babies are done in no time and only require a stove top! Whip up a batch and bring them to your Super Bowl party tomorrow with my Blackberry Sticky Wings and you’ll be the hit of the party! I’m confident in that statement.

Paleo CocoNut Caramels!

want a bite?

Paleo CocoNut Caramels

Paleo CocoNut Caramels

Prep time:2 min

Cook time:5 min

Total time:7 min

Yield:20 tbsp or 40 1/2 tbsp sized

Difficulty:easy

Recipe type:Dessert, Treat, Candy, Caramel

Ingredients:

1 c Nuts, I used half walnuts and half pecans – roughly chopped

1 1/4 c shredded, unsweetened Coconut

4 tbsp Ghee for true paleo, sub grassfed butter for primal

1/4 c pure Maple syrup

1/2 c Coconut or Maple sugar

1/4 c Coconut butter

1 tsp Vanilla extract

1/4 tsp pink Himalayan Sea salt

Directions:

Combine nuts and coconut in a medium sized mixing bowl and set aside

Place parchment paper on a cookie sheet and set aside

In a small saucepan combine the ghee/butter, maple syrup, coconut sugar, coconut butter, and salt over medium heat

Heat to rolling boil, then stir constantly for 3 minutes

Remove from heat and add nuts and coconut, stir to combine

Once fully incorporated use a cookie scoop or measuring spoon to transfer to the parchment lined cookie sheet

Place in the fridge to set and harden for at least 30 minutes

Best kept in the fridge, lasts up to a week if you can make them last that long!

Comments: 26

These look amazing! And I like that the prep time is pretty minimal. Can you substitute regular sea salt for the pink Himalayan Sea salt? Also, perhaps not as Paleo, but could you use regular butter if you don’t have grass-fed?

These look terrific! I cannot wait to try, thank you for sharing! I did strict Paleo all of January and this past weekend I ate some grains and dairy. Oh my goodness, I felt terrible! I never realized how bad grains and dairy are for us. I am so grateful for foodies such as yourself to share wonderful recipes that make the paleo lifestyle easier!

Love your blog! You were one of my inspirations to start working out again (it’s going great!) and I’m “exploring” paleo. Not 100% in, yet, but recipes like this (caramel? yes please) make it seem less scary for someone with an avowed sweet tooth and rabid love of pastries. Anyway…thank you!

Alison, you can get both coconut and maple sugar on Amazon.com and in health food stores/co-ops and sometimes even Trader Joe’s! You could substitute organic cane sugar if you have that although it is more processed/refined. Hope you love them once you try them!

Divine! The caramel flavor reminded me of the sticky goodness my aunt used to put over her popcorn balls. I might use less nuts or increase the caramel sauce because mine were a bit drier, not as gooey as yours look. I used grass-fed butter and had to use coconut cream instead of coconut butter. I think my boys will love these……if there are any left by the time they get home from school!!!